[melmer]

I have a Maytag Neptune Washing Machine (MAH4000AWW) that has started making a squeaking - ratcheting type noise as the tub is starting to turn during the initial water fill and wash cycle. The sound appears to be coming from where the big drive pulley is attached to the Outer Tub Assembly. Once it is in the full wash cycle or the spin cycles the noise disappears. The pulley seems to be well seated and the belt is not slipping. The sound is almost like that of two plastic gears slipping slightly as the motor starts to turn the pulley in either direction but like I said no sounds during the balance of the wash or spin cycles. Any ideas of what the problem could be?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

It sound like it may be the bearing that is starting to go.

You would have to take the pulley off and see if there is any sign of wear.

The torque on the bolt that hold the pulley on is 30 inch pounds.

Here is a link to your washer model MAH4000AWW.

[melmer]

Thanks Sheila - I have the info printed out on my machine and wanted to ask which bearing you are referring too - is it the one that only comes with the Outer Tub Assembly/Bearing/Seal Kit or possibly the one with the Spinner Support Assembly or the Lip Seal Kit? I know it may be difficult for you to guess but if you had to which one might you suspect? Also I have noticed that there is now a small hole in the Outer Tub that looks like something bored a hole through it that's about 1/8" in diameter or smaller. No water is coming through but I did notice some very small chips of aluminum. Any idea which part behind the outer tub is aluminum? I'm guessing it's coming from the Spinner Support Assembly. Thanks for your help and I'll look forward to your reply.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Yes it would be the one that come with the outer tub assembly. Part number PS993567.

I not sure what would have made the hole. Does the hole look like a drilled hole?

There is nothing in the washer that could bore a hole that way.

The small chips could be pieces of the bearing or the spinner support.

[melmer]

The hole is similar in look to what a drilled hole would be except that it has rough edges as it goes through the plastic whereas a drill would have left the edges smooth. On the outside of the hole is where I found the small aluminum shavings/chips and it seems like this is the only place I can find them. There is nothing on the bottom of the machine. You also mentioned earlier taking the Pulley of to examine the bearings - do I need a flywheel puller to do this or can it be taped off if done gently? Thanks again!

[PS Staff - Sheila]

You don't need a puller the pulley should come of easily.

Can you give me a detail location of this hole?

[melmer]

Yes, if you are looking at the back of the Outer Tub you have the center where the bearing is located and this is surrounded the by 7 plastic fins (for lack of another description). The hole is located roughly in the middle of the "V" in between a set of the fins and goes all the way through the plastic.

[melmer]

One more thing is it is located at about the 12 o'clock position on the Outer Tub.